Bircham International University

What you'll study

The degree composition includes a minimum of 40 credits in General Education (transferable), 60 academic credits in Artistic Design delivered online, plus other additional subjects as needed. Each listed subject is worth 3 academic credits and BIU earned credits are based on reports, projects and a thesis. Example course topics available (each a continuing-education subject):

• Visual Arts (201DES)
• Decorative Elements (202DES)
• Art & Philosophy (203DES)
• Art & Religion (204DES)
• Classic Art & Architecture (205DES)
• Medieval & Byzantine Art (206DES)
• Gothic Art & The Renaissance (207DES)
• From Baroque to Romanticism (208DES)
• Realism & Impressionism (311DES)
• XXth Century Art (312DES)
• Chinese & Japanese Art (313DES)
• Contemporary Art (314DES)
• Visual & Graphic Design (315DES)
• Logo & Packaging Design (316DES)
• Art History (317DES)
• Art Direction (318DES)
• Architecture Design (421DES)
• Landscape Art & Perception (422DES)
• Artistic Design (423DES)
• Creative Arts (424DES)

Additional subjects from the Faculty of Arts & Humanities or related modules (for example: Interior Design, Web Design & Programming, Building Design, Sustainability, etc.) may be selected with approval from the Distance Learning University Education Board.

Entry requirements

Admission is open to adults over 23 years of age. A minimum of 30% of the total programme credits must be transferred from previous education and/or validated from professional experience to gain admission. At least 40 general-education credits should be accounted for via transfer or validation. A maximum of 20% of the total credits may be credited from professional and life experience.

Career prospects

Graduates will have a conceptual and documented portfolio-style record of study suitable for roles that value art and design literacy, such as visual arts practice, design consultancy, art direction, freelance creative work or further study in arts and humanities. The programme emphasises critical analysis, case study application and written reporting, which can support professional practice or academic progression.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Fees cover the programme of study, textbooks, study guide, evaluation and assessment, diploma and transcript. BIU states a cost per earned undergraduate credit and per transferred credit and provides minimum and maximum total tuition figures; payment plans are available up to 36 monthly installments. Textbooks are included in the fees and are mailed after payment.